Brisbane, Australia is hosting the summer 2032 Olympic Games. Less than an hour’s drive away is Sanctuary Cove Marina. Currently increasing demand for large-yacht accommodations has the marina team expecting Olympic demand, too. It’s in the midst of an expansion that will bring the total berths to 400 well in time.
Construction starts this month on an extension that primarily benefits boats and yachts smaller than superyachts. However, upon work finishing in January 2026, 63 of the 400 slips will be for superyachts. This comes after another expansion just six years ago. Owners and captains from Australia as well as other countries have been making inquiries about availability. Similarly, the organizers of the annual Sanctuary Cove Boat Show have wanted extra space, since slots were fully booked this past May.
Overall, “occupancy rates remain high,” says Greg Shaw, CEO of Mulpha, which owns the Sanctuary Cove Marina. Mulpha further owns the adjacent InterContinental Resort, Marine Village, and Country Club. Steve Sammes, the marina’s general manager, sees the growing requests for bigger berths benefitting more than just the property. “By expanding berthing capacity, we’re catering to vessels visiting Southeast Queensland’s waterways,” he explains. In fact, during the Olympics, foreign-flagged yacht and megayacht visitors should significantly increase. The marina therefore serves as a gateway to the larger marine tourism opportunities. These include boat tours, for example, plus fishing charters and longer explorations along the famous Gold Coast. The Gold Coast is Australia’s leading marine-tourism hub.
Owners and crews mindful of high standards should note that Sanctuary Cove Marina holds Five Gold Anchor Platinum accreditation. The Gold Anchor is a worldwide marina-certification program to ensure the facilities and the guest experience both improve. It’s not just ambience and customer service, either. It extends to environmental standards and the quality of the infrastructure. The 5 Gold Anchor designation is the highest possible level, and only a small number of marinas have achieved it. Sanctuary Cove Marina is one of just two Queensland facilities possessing it.
Sanctuary Cove Marina sanctuarycove.com/marina